Crickwing by Janelle Cannon

By Carla Kanine

Crickwing is a lonely, artistic cockroach whose edible artwork is usually devoured by giant predators. One night he discovers a colony of insects smaller than himself and out of frustration decides it is his turn to be a bully. The small leaf cutter ants turn kindness, teamwork, and friendship into an inspiring tale.

Possible strategy instruction:

• C: Make a picture or mental image.
• C: Infer and support with evidence.

• A: Say the word slowly. 

• F: Use punctuation to enhance phrasing and prosody.
• F: Reread text as the author would say it, conveying the meaning or feeling.

• E: Tune in to interesting words and use new vocabulary in speaking and writing.
• E: Use dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries as tools.

View Lit Lesson